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Creamy Black Bean Soup with Zesty Lime

creamy black bean soup - featured image

A comforting and creamy black bean soup with a bright, zesty lime finish that is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup (2 fl oz / 60 ml) water or more broth, for blending if needed
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, tortilla strips

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients (5 minutes): Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the canned black beans well.
  2. Sauté Aromatics (8 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Spices and Beans (2 minutes): Stir in ground cumin and smoked paprika; cook for 30 seconds. Add drained black beans and stir to coat with spices and onions.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer (15-20 minutes): Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Blend the Soup (5-7 minutes): Remove pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until creamy and smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches and return to pot. Add water or broth as needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Season and Add Lime (2 minutes): Stir in fresh lime juice, taste, and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve and Garnish (immediate): Ladle soup into bowls and top with cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and tortilla strips.

Notes

Do not add garlic too early to avoid bitterness. Blend soup until smooth for creamy texture without dairy. Add lime juice after blending to preserve bright flavor. Soup thickens when standing; stir in broth or water when reheating. Can add jalapeños or cayenne for spice. Use almond or coconut milk instead of broth for creamier, dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean soup, creamy soup, lime soup, easy soup recipe, vegetarian soup, vegan soup, gluten-free soup, healthy soup